The idea of juggling double CCAs may sound daunting, or spark the adventurous streak in you, making you hesitate on whether it would be a good idea to take this daring leap forward. This article will outline all you need to know about this, the highs and lows- and help you make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to criticise having double CCAs, but merely serves as an real insight into what may be the bitter side of it.
What to expect:
Understandably it’s human nature to predominantly worry about negative things, so let’s get through the not-so-sweet stuff first.
1. Hectic CCA schedules
As expected, managing two CCAs at once would require intense rigour. You would most likely find yourself having CCA sessions on almost every single day of the school week, and you will probably end school late on many.
For those with double Sports CCAs, the physical weariness would be immeasurable. Imagine having lessons early in the morning, depleting much of your brain energy, then having to head off to even more commitments that can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Will you be able to keep yourself energised in all your activities and spend your time fruitfully throughout the day?
2. Juggling school work
And now of course, the unavoidable chore of a student. Even after spending an arduous day in school there are still piles of lectures and tutorials awaiting you. You can argue that studies are your forte and a 2nd CCA wouldn’t be much of a hindrance, but time waits for no man. You may find trouble completing your assignments on time and unintentionally fall behind on academics, which is extremely detrimental as overdue work can very quickly snowball into a huge pile, given the fast-paced nature of JC. Staying up late past midnight to rush through homework will leave you unable to focus the next day, more often than not, the cycle will continue .
Needless to say it doesn’t mean that you have to radiate Hulk energy to consider double CCA-ing, as long as you’ve got the grit and resilience it takes! Beneath the blood, sweat and tears you may encounter (though it would be best to not shed blood of course), such experiences of juggling multiple roles and commitments would definitely shape you into a better person, in terms of time organisation, managing unpredictable stress levels, and more.
Enough of the negativity overload, now to the brighter side of things!
3. Meeting new people, building friendships
This is pretty obvious but having two CCAs will exponentially expand your acquaintanceship within JC, and of course you’re bound to make new friends. Working towards a common goal with like minded individuals boosts motivation . It would also be a real blessing to have those dependent homies to fall back on throughout this taxing journey. Such an opportunity to interact with more diverse communities and up your socialising skills sounds truly nice!
4. Acquiring novel experiences and skills
This is defined by what your desired CCA combination is, but double CCAs undoubtedly means double the amount of skills to be learnt. One senior, Chin Dan Yu (21S65), took up a new CCA in JC, Fencing, as she was keen to learn a new skill set and sport while persevering on to take her Shot put (Track and Field) abilities to greater heights. Similarly, Guan Yuxin (21S65) continued pursuing her Dizi passion in Hwa Chong’s Chinese Orchestra, plus taking up a leadership role in Artemis’ Faculty Committee as she had fond memories of her Student Council experience in secondary school. JC is a spectacular platform for picking up brand new and rewarding experiences in all aspects, and having double CCAs or additional leadership positions is a golden opportunity to maximise that. If you are someone who is keen and eager to learn new things, a second CCA is something you should definitely consider!
Advice (from your lovely seniors)
Now that we’ve gone through the ups and downs of taking up second CCAs, here are some (proven) ways of coping that will guide you effectively through this process.
1. Prioritise well
With at least three commitments on your plate (double CCAs and academics) it is absolutely crucial to know how to differentiate between urgent tasks and those that can be temporarily laid off to stop yourself from burning out. Seek assistance from your peers when needed. It may feel conflicting to not always give your all in everything, as Yuxin says, but just trying your best is enough. Not everyone will even consider taking up so many responsibilities, so reward yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone!
2. Stay organised
A messy lifestyle will probably not get you anywhere with so many things to remember and execute. Use a common platform (we recommend Google Calendar or Notion) to sort out your schedules, as well as compile all your to-do lists. Having a steady flow in your schedule will save lots of time and fumbling over your responsibilities, leaving you to carry them out with greater efficiency.
3. Be kind to yourself
Humans are not made to withstand unlimited pressure and vigour, so be understanding of yourself when you feel overwhelmed. Ask for extensions for school work when needed, keep track of your health and sleep schedules. Especially if you choose to take up sport CCAs, as Dan Yu shares, do not neglect yourself and don’t take any injury risks lightly, which can be detrimental to your entire CCA experience if injuries happen. Don’t be afraid to approach your batchmates for assistance with your workload should you feel like you can’t take it any further.
The bottom line
We are unable to single handedly land you a second CCA for the application process solely lies on you, but what we can do is provide you with the emotional preparation you should have before any further consideration. Taking up double CCAs can sound like an impossible challenge, but the rewards and fulfilment it brings are endless. Anyone with an inquisitive urge to try something new should definitely go for it, but be sure to keep in mind your wellbeing, and know your limits.
Written by: Lim Ye Xue (21S65)
Edited by: Tan Xuanmin (21S78)
Contributed by: Chin Dan Yu (21S65), Guan Yuxin (21S65)
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